Is this normal?
Yes. Starting solids rarely makes a baby sleep through the night right away. The NHS notes that introducing solids does not reliably improve sleep, and a 2018 BMJ Open trial found only small, variable differences. Many healthy 6 to 12 month olds still wake for one or more feeds.
Breastmilk or formula are still the main source of nutrition through the first year per the AAP and WHO, so some night feeding can be developmentally appropriate. Growth spurts, teething, and new foods can also increase night waking for a while.
Think in terms of responsive feeding. You provide structure with when and what, and your baby decides whether and how much to eat. This aligns with Ellyn Satter’s approach and the WHO and AAP emphasis on following hunger and fullness cues.
Why it happens after starting solids
- Milk intake dipped when solids increased, leaving a calorie gap that shows up at night.
- Early solids are often lower in energy and fat than milk, so total daily calories may fall despite “more food.”
- New foods can cause gas or constipation, which can wake babies even if they are not hungry.
- Developmental leaps, teething, or separation anxiety increase night waking in this age range.
- Bedtime timing or naps are off, leading to short first stretches and more night feeds.
- Growth spurts temporarily raise calorie needs, so extra night feeding is normal for a few days.
What to try today
Protect milk calories for 7 days
Offer a full milk feed 20-30 minutes before each solids session for the next week. Aim for about 24-32 oz of formula across 24 hours or frequent on-demand breastfeeds (often 6-8 times), per AAP guidance. Keep 2-3 hours between solids and bedtime milk so baby arrives hungry for the last feed.
Rebalance dinner 90-120 minutes before bed
For the next 3 evenings, serve 2-4 tablespoons of an iron-rich protein plus fat (egg, beans or lentils, yogurt, tofu, salmon, avocado) and soft produce. Avoid only starchy foods. Stop solids at least 90 minutes before bedtime to allow digestion.
Bedtime top-up feed
Give a calm, distraction-free milk feed 20-30 minutes before lights out tonight and for 3-5 nights. Offer a full feed instead of small sips to reduce frequent “snack” wakes.
Dream feed trial
If wakes are clustered before midnight, try a dream feed at 10-11 pm for 3-5 nights. If it does not extend the first stretch by at least 60 minutes by night 5, stop the dream feed.
Tummy comfort check
Today, watch for signs of constipation like hard, pellet-like stools. Offer pears, prunes, peaches, or peas at one meal, and for babies over 6 months give a few sips of water with solids. Use bicycle legs and a gentle tummy massage before bath and bedtime.
Night response plan
For the next 3-4 nights, if baby wakes within 3 hours of the last feed, try 5-10 minutes of resettling first (patting, rocking, or a brief pick up). If it has been 4 hours or more, offer a full feed. Keep the room dark and quiet to prevent fully waking.
When to call the doctor
- Fewer than 4 wet diapers in 24 hours, very dark urine, or a dry mouth
- Weight loss or no weight gain over 2 weeks, or a drop across growth percentiles
- Vomiting after most feeds, green or bloody vomit, or signs of dehydration
- Persistent diarrhea, blood or black stools, or mucus in stools
- Possible food allergy after new foods: hives, facial swelling, wheeze, repetitive vomiting
Frequently asked questions
Do solids make babies sleep through the night?
Not reliably. The NHS notes that starting solids does not make babies sleep better, and while one 2018 BMJ Open trial saw a small improvement, results were modest and not universal. Focus on total daytime calories, milk first, and a calm bedtime routine.
How much should my 6-12 month old eat during the day?
Milk stays primary until 12 months. Many babies take about 24-32 oz formula per day or breastfeed on demand, plus 1-3 solids meals at 6-8 months, building to 3 meals and snacks by 9-12 months. Follow your baby’s hunger and fullness cues.
Should I add cereal to the bottle to help sleep?
No. The AAP advises against adding cereal to bottles due to choking risk and overfeeding, and it does not reliably improve sleep. Offer solids by spoon or self-feeding when your baby is alert and upright.
When can I wean night feeds after starting solids?
Many babies can reduce to one or no night feeds between 9 and 12 months if growth and daytime intake are strong. Check with your pediatrician, then space feeds gradually and keep any remaining night feed calm and full.
Could constipation from solids cause night waking?
Yes. Hard, pellet-like stools, straining, or skipped stools can interrupt sleep. Offer fiber-rich fruits and veggies, a few sips of water with meals for babies over 6 months, and speak with your clinician if constipation persists.
Is a dream feed safe and worth trying?
For some families, a 10-11 pm feed can extend the first stretch. Try it for 3-5 nights and keep it drowsy and quiet. If there is no improvement by night 5, stop and reassess daytime calories and bedtime timing.
What if my baby eats a big dinner but still wakes hungry?
Dinner helps, but milk remains more calorie dense. Ensure a full bedtime milk feed, and include protein and fat at dinner 90-120 minutes before bed. Short-term growth spurts can also raise night needs for a few days.
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